John Hiatt and the Toasters

by Billy Eye

January 19, 1981

"Only the great masters of style
ever succeed in being obscure."
- Oscar Wilde

I only have time for a short article this time, and only space to tell you that rock and roll history was made Jan. 14 at the Starwood. John Hiatt and the Toasters played two sets each to appreciative audiences.

What a galaxy of stars that assembled the other evening at the Starwood! I saw Safeway of the Nobodys and, oh yes, the drummer for the Pretenders, what's his name, and a whole glut of record company promotional personnel and producers. That's what they travel in, a glut.

Bruce Kaplan and The Toasters played a rousing set to a receptive crowd. Actually, the group is still called The Toasters, but every time Eye have seen a Toaster's gig, members of the audience will call out for bassist Bruce Kaplan, who goes by the name 'Joe College'.
I'm willing to go on record and say that Bruce may end up the Bobby Sherman of the Eighties!

The Toasters have a single that they released last year, and although they've since added a new kick-ass bass player, it is still quite good and it includes my pick to click "Baby's on the Rag."

John Hiatt

Headlining the Show was John Hiatt. I don't really know what to say about the set, I'm not familiar with John Hiatt's work. He is a skilled performer who really does create some exciting moments onstage but there is nothing particularly ground-breaking here.

The audience was geared up for him, but he recieved little more than a warm response during most of the show, which was a record company showcase. Not that I would look for John Hiatt to be playing the Holiday Inn lounge anytime soon, he really is a seasoned performer with a tight band that creates well crafted music. He just isn't seasoned to my taste, I guess.

Just remember, a stupid opinion is just as valuable as an informed one.